Preservation Tax Credits

The Historic Preservation Division administers state and federal income tax credits to encourage preservation of historic homes and commercial buildings. More than 800 property owners have used this program in New Mexico, generating more than $29 million in private investment in the last two years alone. Properties listed or contributing to historic districts are eligible to qualify for this popular financial incentive. Owners of this 1907 late Victorian nominated their home to the State Register and restored it using state tax credits.

Historic Markers

Established in 1935, Official Scenic Historic Markers can be found on nearly every road and highway in New Mexico. They extol the geographic marvels of our state, and the virtuous, the venerated and the notorious people who have shaped our history. Most nominations come from citizens and are reviewed by HPD. The Cultural Properties Review Committee approves the final text and the New Mexico Department of Transportation builds and installs them.

Project Review

HPD is charged with ensuring that projects carried out entirely, or are partially funded, by federal and state agencies comply with historic preservation laws. HPD reviews thousands of projects each year to ensure they are planned to avoid or minimize harm to cultural resources. In the process, HPD assists project developers with following preservation laws and learns more about local history. State archaeologists unearthed this ca. 1906 cistern used as a cesspit by two homes with early indoor plumbing in Santa Fe in preparation of a new state office building.

SiteWatch

Hundreds of volunteers throughout New Mexico monitor local cultural sites and report erosion, vandalism and theft to government authorities. They are trained by HPD to become official site stewards. Site stewards also serve as docents, here leading a National Park Service tour in the Galisteo Basin.

Preservation Loans

Properties listed in the State or National Registers can qualify for low-interest loans administered by HPD and a lending partner. The division also facilitates loans to property owners in certified MainStreet districts through partnerships with New Mexico MainStreet and the Department of Finance. The Winternitz Building in Las Vegas re-opened as a gallery and studio space using our loan fund.

State and National Registers

The Register nomination of La Capilla de San Antonio de Los Lentes incorporated architectural influences brought to New Mexico on the Santa Fe Trail. Each state has an historic preservation office responsible for nominating buildings, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes and historic districts to the National Register of Historic Places. HPD administers this program in New Mexico, plus the State Register of Cultural Properties. Get involved and learn the benefits and advantages of having listed properties in your community.

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May is Heritage Preservation Month | Cultural Diversity

Celebrate New Mexico's diverse cultural history during Heritage Preservation Month starting on May 1. Events are listed in the Calendar of Events on this website. The 30th annual Heritage Preservation Month poster is available at HPD.

Quick Links

The 2017 Heritage Preservation Awards were presented May 12. Las Coloniales, of La Sociedad Colonial Espanol de Santa Fe, danced several numbers and took home an award. Read about all of this year's awardees at the Press Release link on this page or visit the Heritage Preservation Month page on the website.

Our Mission

The New Mexico Historic PreservationDivision identifies and protects New Mexico's cultural resources, including its archaeological sites, architectural and engineering achievements, cultural landscapes and diverse heritage. We help communities identify, evaluate, preserve, and revitalize their historic, archaeological, and cultural resources.

Preservation happens locally. It is site specific—your building, your block, your town, your landscape. It is built on partnerships. Our website provides easy access to the information you need to help preserve New Mexico's diverse cultural heritage, encourage community revitalization through re-use of existing buildings and enhance heritage tourism opportunities.